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[Pages S2266-S2267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE MASSACRE RIM WILDERNESS STUDY AREA
Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I come forward today to recognize
the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area's designation as an
International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Located 150 miles north of Reno in
Washoe County, NV, Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area is a region with
rolling hills, buttes, plateaus, and narrow canyons, covered in
sagebrush and junipers. Massacre Rim is a natural, undisturbed, and
isolated environment that offers visitors rare opportunities to enjoy
scenic vistas of up to 60 miles, as well as solitude away from
development and distraction. Thanks to the location's remoteness,
Massacre Rim's night views are completely uninhibited by light
pollution. These unique qualities allow for nearly unparalleled
stargazing, which has attracted visitors from around the world.
On March 30, 2019, the International Dark-Sky Association designated
the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area as an International Dark Sky
Sanctuary, only the fourth location to achieve this distinction in the
United States and the seventh in the entire world. The International
Dark-Sky Association deemed Massacre Rim worthy of this honor due to
its qualifications as ``land that has an exceptional or distinguished
quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected
for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural
heritage and/or public enjoyment.''
For most of human history, a night sky teeming with stars and
shooting comets was a regular occurrence for our ancestors. Prior to
the Industrial Revolution, one could look to the sky and find awe-
inspiring wonder, intrigue, and entertainment. For most of us, that is
no longer the case. According to a 2016 National Geographic article, 80
percent of Americans cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution.
While light pollution is a necessary and small consequence to our
growth and development as a society, it is imperative that we recognize
the significant value in our increasingly rare dark sky places, such as
Massacre Rim. Fortunately, for visitors and residents of the great
State of Nevada, views of both the Milky Way and our neighboring
galaxy, Andromeda, are available at Massacre Rim.
Our State's booming outdoor recreation economy is a testament to the
success of our public lands and highlights the importance of keeping
our invaluable natural resources available for all to utilize and
enjoy. I commend the nonprofit organization, Friends of Nevada
Wilderness, for spearheading the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area's
Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, and for continuing to educate others
about the natural wonders available in the Silver State.
From Massacre Rim, to the Lake Tahoe Basin, to the Ruby Mountains,
residents and visitors can attest that
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our public lands allow us to connect with our collective past and
preserve our shared treasures for future generations.
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